A Dismaying Shortfall

Peninsula Residents Must Meet United Way Goal

December 06, 1992

We like to think of the Peninsula as a progressive, caring community. But as the year winds down, that perception is threatened by a disturbing development. With less than four weeks to go in 1992, the fund-raising campaign of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula is 11 percent, or $700,000, short of its goal of $6.4 million.

This is unacceptable. The more than 300,000 residents of the lower Peninsula must know they can do better.

Excuses won't do. There was a scandal involving misuse of funds at the national level of United Way earlier this year, but that has been addressed. The Peninsula agency's six conditions for continuing its national contribution have been met. There was never any reason not to have confidence in the local agency's commitment to helping people.

Hard times, certainly a factor on the Peninsula this year because of layoffs at its largest employer, can also be construed as all the more reason to give to the United Way. People blessed with jobs and prosperity should be reminded by Thanksgiving and Christmas to fulfill their obligation to assist the less fortunate. Giving to the United Way assures that people with a wide range of needs will be served.

United Way gets 90 percent of its money from individuals. If you haven't given, please reconsider. Services will have to be cut and fewer people helped if United Way falls short of its funding obligations. Contributions may be sent to United Way at 1520 Aberdeen Road, Hampton 23666. You can call the agency at 838-9750, if you have any doubts about whether your money will be well spent. United Way depends on you.